RAMAYANA MASAM 17-07-2010 TO 16-08-2010

Ramayana Masam begins on July 17 and ends on August 16.

“Ramayanam” has always been an integral part of every Hindu's life. Ramayana is a Sanskrit epic describing the deeds of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar (incarnation) of Lord Vishnu.

"Ramayana Masam” in Kerala is observed in the Malayalam month Karkkidakom (July – August). Karkidakam month is dedicated to dead ancestors during when Shraddh ritual or pitru tharpan are offered to them. Karkidaka Vavu Bali (Pitru tharpan rituals) is the major ritual followed in Malayalam month of Karkidakam in Kerala. The sacred scripture Ramayana is recited during the whole month of Karkidam hence it is also known as Ramayana Masam.

"Ramayanamasam or 'the month of Ramayana' begins on the first day of Malayalam month Karkkidakom (July 17, 2010).On all days in the month, the Epic Ramayana is read in traditional Hindu houses. The reading begins on the first day of the month and is completely read by last day of the month. In 2010, the Ramayana Masam begins on July 17 and ends on August 16.

It is believed that Ramayana parayanam (reading of Ramayana) in the 'Ramayana Masam' ('Karkkidaka masam': July-August) is a divine way to worship Lord Rama and attain salvation. On all days in the month, in most of the Kerala Temples as well as in the Malayali Hindu families (traditional Hindu houses) the Epic Ramayana is read. Some people recite in the early hours of dawn and some after lighting the evening lamp, sit before Lamp (nilavilakku) and recite the ramayana.

Great Valmiki completed writing the ramayana story in 24,000 verses. The epic is divided into seven kandas(Sections).The seven sections are the Bala Kandam, the Ayodhya Kandam,the Aranya Kandam, the Kishkinda Kandam, the Sundara Kandam, the Yudha Kandam, and the uttaraKandam.

There is an elaborating unique message inherent in Ramayana. The Ramayana, truly, is a work that holds out ideals for every home and family. It clearly demonstrates what should be the ideal relationship between a father and a son, a husband and wife, between sibling, and even between rulers and citizens. It deals with various topic like Administrtation, business management, communication skills, tips to success and family living. In the Yudha Kandam - a dialogue between Rama and Vibheeshana on the war field- describes the qualities that one should have to be successful in life.

Ramayana has had a great impact on the culture of India. It gave form to the values of its society, reiterating to countless generations models of correct behaviour.The Ramayana is a store house of knowledge. One has to transform such knowledge to wisdom by applying the principles and core values in ones life. Reading and re-reading the Ramayana can be a rewarding experience for people of all ages at all times.

If we can make our children to read The Ramayana, it has a profound impact on their mind; The Ramayana describes the epic battle to wipe out Evil. It not only teaches us dharma, it also sheds light on the human predicament and the choices that lie before us. It teaches us that problems are inevitable in one's life, but if one is filled with wisdom and devotion one can overcome any problem.

The Ramayana can be told in as many as 24,000 verses as in the valmiki Ramayana or in just one verse as in the eka-shloka-ramayaNa which captures all the main events of the epic such as rama's exile to the forest, killing of the golden deer, the kidnapping of sita, the death of jatayu, the meeting with sugriva and the punishment of vaali, the crossing of the ocean and burning of Lanka by Hanuman, and finally the slaying of ravana and kumbhakarna.

Eka Shloka Ramayanam

Adau Rama-tapo-vanaadi-gamanam Hatva Mrugam Kaanchanam

Vaidehee-haranam Jatayu-maranam Sugreeva-sambhashanam

Balee-nigrahanam Samudra-taranam Lankapuri-daahanam

Paschaat Raavana-kumbhakarna-hananam Etatdhi Ramayanam.

Meaning:-

Lord Rama went to the forest in order to fulfill the promise his father had given to one of his wives (Kaikeyi). In the forest, Seeta was attracted by the golden deer and Rama went after it. At that time, the wicked Ravana kidnapped Seeta. Jatayu tried to defend Seeta and save her, but was killed by Ravana. Lord Rama then befriended Sugriva and killed Vali, the unrighteous. He crossed the ocean and entered the city of Lanka. He then destroyed the city of Lanka, killed the wicked demons Ravana and Kumbhakarna and set Seeta free. This is the story contained in the Ramayana.



May Lord Sri Ramachandra bless all of us to lead the life in a righteous way.

JAI SRI RAM

SHAIJA VALLIKATRI BHASKARAN.